NEWS

Australia's labour market in 2026 continues to reflect a post-pandemic recovery shaped by an ageing population, rapid digital transformation, renewable-energy expansion and persistent skills shortages in health care, construction and technology.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that household spending went down by 0.4% in the last month of 2025.

Millions of Americans are poised to receive some of the largest federal tax refunds in recent history during the 2026 filing season, with average amounts potentially rising by $1,000 or more compared to prior years, thanks to retroactive tax cuts enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump.

Bitcoin has tumbled to its lowest levels since last fall, briefly dipping below $61,000 this week before rebounding slightly to around $64,800 amid a brutal sell-off that has wiped out nearly 50% of its value from October highs.

The Louvre has released photos of the current state of the crown of Empress Eugénie, which was left behind during the heist that took place last year.

Bitcoin's price slid sharply today, falling to roughly the high‑$69,000 range as a wave of selling pressure hit the broader crypto market and erased tens of billions of dollars in value from the world's largest digital asset.

South Australia police have declared the disappearance of Gus Lamont a major crime, saying that a suspect has been identified.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed that another Australian, a male in his 20s, died while skiing in Japan.

The Reserve Bank has lifted the interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, and the new cash rate is now at 3.85 per cent.

Nestlé Australia has confirmed that Allen's Black Cats have been removed from supermarket shelves in the country.

Economic Regulator Joe Dimasi only approved a 4.3 per cent increase for water and sewerage services for Tasmania households.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a recall of two children's toys after it was discovered they had asbestos.

Health Minister Mark Butler said that, while the government is seriously monitoring the cases of Nipah virus, the country will not tighten border controls

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said that he will look into the idea of giving the state an extra holiday for Anzac Day.

An outbreak of the Nipah virus in India has been a cause for concern for many countries in Asia. Should Australia be concerned too?

The export report of Wine Australia shows that wine exports declined both in value and volume in 2025.

House prices in Brisbane are expected to increase over the next two years, according to KPMG's residential property outlook.

Towns in South Australia and Victoria saw record-breaking temperatures as Australia continues to deal with an intense heatwave.

Protesters have taken to the streets as Invasion Day rallies make a statement during the celebration of Australia Day.

Nearly 400 billionaires and millionaires around the world have signed an open letter calling for higher taxes on the super-rich.

A shooting that took place at town of Lake Cargelligo has left three people dead, according to police. Another victim has been wounded.

Data from the Australia Statistics Bureau shows that Australia's unemployment rate went down from 4.3% to 4.1% in December 2025.

Mining giant BHP Group said it has accepted reduced prices for some iron ore shipments while locked in protracted contract talks with major Chinese buyers, a development that underscores tensions in the global steelmaking raw material market and could pressure Australia's largest export earner.

A total of four shark attacks has taken place along the New South Wales coast in the past three days, leaving two people in critical condition.

Former Labor strategist Tim Picton has passed away at the age of 36 following an alleged nightclub assault in Perth.

Firefighters in Victoria are taking advantage of cooler conditions to strengthen containment lines around a dozen major bushfires that have scorched vast tracts of land, destroyed homes, and claimed at least one life.

Indo Pacific 2025 in Sydney saw major AUKUS progress: PMB Defence supplying batteries for Australian and UK submarines, 11 Australian companies qualified for US supply chains, combat system team formed, and $159 billion maritime investment confirmed. But critics warn current defense spending isn't enough.

Commonwealth Bank won its fourth CHOICE Shonky Award for refusing to refund $270 million in illegal fees charged to 2.2 million low-income customers on Centrelink payments between 2019-2024. ANZ refunded $47.9M; CommBank paid just $25M to Indigenous customers and refused the rest.

Australia supplies 74% of the world's zirconium reserves, critical for nuclear fuel rods and hypersonic missiles. Chinese firms now control major Australian mines despite AUKUS security partnership. Investigation reveals 300% increase in China's zirconium exports to Russia since Ukraine war began.